Friday, April 13, 2013
LONE RIDER
Saturday, 13th April 2013
LONE RIDER
Trip Log as narrated by Prashant Kumaran
Rides: 1985 Bullet 350 std.
Riders: Prashant Kumaran
Plan: I felt an urge to RIDE
Route: Bangalore-Mysore- Bandipur tiger reserve- Mudumalai forest- Edakara- Nillambur- Pallakad (kerala)
Friday night I finalized that I would ride to Kerala. There were questions on distance, the unsafe forests, MY DAD knowing :P, but eventually had a WTF moment and said this is what I am passionate about, so RIDE I will. Could hardly sleep that night. All i could think of was the videos of Animal Planet - When animals attack. The forest reserve on the way to Kerala didnt just have Wild Elephants as a threat, there were stories of Tigers, leopards and strangely wild buffallos as the Worst. Thanks to the videos posted online of elephants charging at vehicles via Bandipur forest road, which would keep me thinking... AM I CRAZY??
Well the 4 00 a.m. snoozed alarm got me up and in 30 mins I was all geared up. Kissed my sleepy wife goodbye and in a minute my motorcycle roared to life. Kept it into idling while I decked it up with my Cramster saddle bags (they are awesome for bulleteers. Has impressed me beyond my expectations). Another minute and I was on Bangalore roads surely disturbing many people's sleep. It was a sight seeing bangalore roads so unobstructed. Within 30 mins I was already cruising on Mysore Highway. Strangely didnt think that Bangalore could be crossed that fast. I realised Bangalore does have a unresolved traffic problem.
Next 150 kms there was no need to stop. Cool breeze empty roads and a healthy thumping engine, a rider could ask no more for a good start. Crossed towns with quite interesting identifications, Ramanagara (town of silk), Channpatna (town of toys), Mandya (town of sugar)and Srirangapatna (town of Temples). Reached Mysore in a couple of hours. I did not wait much, just stopped to tank up my ride and crossed Mysore via outer ring road (longer route but good empty road). Was on my way to the next town, Gundlupet, last town before the forest reserves. Stopped for breakfast at a good Cafe (CCD) on the outskirts and rest for my motorcycle to cool off.
Next would be a non stop ride until I reach Kerala border, crossing 3 states of Karnataka then Tamil Nadu and then Kerala.
I reached Bandipur Tiger Reserve entrace, where a forest guard would just give you an ok nod and you ride in. This would be my first ride into an actual forest and it did give me the chills. My last experience of a forest was being chased by wild elephants in the deep forests of Thekkady (Kerala) while we were trekking. And I am not a bit embarrased in accepting the fact that Elephants can make you shit in your pants. The ride was a bit scary since I could not see any vehicle ahead or behind me. I did get distracted by the beauty of the forest. Nature does its magic on the landscape we humans can never match. I did spot few animals, the smaller ones, deers, monkeys, giant squirrels, wild boars and an old slow moving wild elephant whos legs the forest officials keep chained. The ride was slow and pleasurable with a lot of caution sign boards saying DO NOT STOP, or ELEPHANT CROSSING, or the scary ones.. IF ELEPHANTS ATTACK, WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE - Forest Dept. :P Crossed the Karnataka border within the forest and entered the Mudhumalai Forest of Tamil Nadu. The roads were still beautiful with same sign boards but with a little more traffic than before. I was thinking about spotting a tiget or leopard on the way like I saw in some videos posted online, but I ain't complaining. I took a break at an Adivasi village and decided to call home and update them. Was talking to my parents and then I let them know that I was travelling by my motorcycle towards Kerala. They hit the roof alright but now there was no choice but to accept it, since I was half way already.
Another hour or two and I crossed Kerala border into the Nadugani forest reserve. This would be the most thrilling part of the ride. Going down the mountain towards Nilambur via hairpin curves and ofcourse occasional wild animal caution sign boards. This was the most dense forest of my ride. Huge massive trees, the ones you have never seen. Beautiful as ever and yet dangerous if you venture stupidly. All through out my ride into these forests I could see many signs of elephants crossing, Elephant dung, broken trees, ravaged path through foliage. It did seem dangerous than I assumed, but as I found out many people travel through these routes and as far as you respect the wild and dont cause trouble they would never do any harm in return. But the real thrill of riding here were the hairpin curves. Kept me on full alert. Sliding through every curve was an adrenline rush. I stopped counting after 20 hairpin curves. Took a 5 min water break at the foot of the mountain. And man it was hot. I had reached near Edakara in Kerala. Next destination was my native place at Natukkal, another hundred odd kms. Kickstarted again and rode into kerala. The roads here are quite fast and never straight, so it was fun riding through kerala. Its never got traffic here expect the main junction, so always top gear. Up and down and left and right the road went, and again not at all boring travelling in kerala. Straight roads tend to make you bored and sleepy. In another couple of hours I reached home and had clocked around 400 kms within 9 hours. Got a lot of firing from my native folks for being crazy to travel all the distance on a motorcycle but followed by a lot a love, care and pampering, a well deserved fate for the ride. It was quite hot in kerala. Around 40 degrees someone told me. Always keep yourself well hydrated on a long ride. That would be the most important thing. I spend the day resting and visiting nearby places and relatives and lots of superb mallu food.
Next day was Vishu, our new year. Grand celebrations and relatives visiting with cousins being all exicted about my ride. Stories were shared and in the meantime I was all geared up to head back to bangalore. I left the place at around 10 am. With lesser stops I reached Nilambur, got my tank filled up and started off back from where I came. The same Nadugani forest reserve. Now a climb unlike the descend and I was a bit apprehensive about my motorcycle being able to handle it with an extra luggage of goodies from my relatives in Kerala. But my Hurricane just seems to love the whole ride. It went as smooth as it could without any hicups. While going back home I took stops to click snaps. Had more confidence today to ignore sign boards and take a few photographs for the memory of the best ride till date. It went on all the way a with forest guards checking you out at check posts. I crossed Kerala into Mudumalai National Park - Tamil Nadu and then Bandipur. A certain metal noise from my ride put me to a stop. Found out that the chain cover had broken and clanking against my chasis. Not a big thing but the noise hurts. Thought to take a break and tie up the chain cover until I reach the next town to get it welded. Was just looking around when I stopped a Tusker elephant down the ravine bathing in the river below. Man it was a beautiful creature. Took out my Camera clicked a lot of pics. It was the back view and I had no intentions of getting a closer view. It was enjoying its bath and I thought not to make it more aware and rode further. Crossed the checkpost and rode fast to the next town Gundlupet and got my chain cover fixed. I thought next stop home and rode towards Bangalore. the route now started getting boring compared to the thrill of the forest. I rode till kengeri, outside bangalore only stopping for a drink break. The traffic starting beefing up and slowed me down. The next strecth was not that happening thanks to the pathetic traffic towards bangalore. I made a note that next time I would ride to reach Bangalore early morning or late night. I reached home in around ten and a half hours making it my longest ride ever.
I clocked around 800 kms in two days and 20 hours, my biggest achievement in my riding life until next time ofcourse. I was convinced about the Rider personality in me who could just enjoy riding alone for all this while without feeling any kind of boredoom. And no doubt that the route I took is the most beautiful route. I would recommend the route and yes a motorcycle is anytime better than a closed 4-wheeler if you really want to enjoy the beauty of travelling. Next ride would be the best. I am planning to go to Leh- Ladakh for the Ride of my Lifetime on the end of June. Until that keep riding :)
Prashant Kumaran
Rider at Heart,
Bullet Riders Owned
email : prashant@bulletridersowned.com
www.bulletridersowned.com
LONE RIDER
Saturday, 13th April 2013
LONE RIDER
Trip Log as narrated by Prashant Kumaran
Rides: 1985 Bullet 350 std.
Riders: Prashant Kumaran
Plan: I felt an urge to RIDE
Route: Bangalore-Mysore- Bandipur tiger reserve- Mudumalai forest- Edakara- Nillambur- Pallakad (kerala)
Friday night I finalized that I would ride to Kerala. There were questions on distance, the unsafe forests, MY DAD knowing :P, but eventually had a WTF moment and said this is what I am passionate about, so RIDE I will. Could hardly sleep that night. All i could think of was the videos of Animal Planet - When animals attack. The forest reserve on the way to Kerala didnt just have Wild Elephants as a threat, there were stories of Tigers, leopards and strangely wild buffallos as the Worst. Thanks to the videos posted online of elephants charging at vehicles via Bandipur forest road, which would keep me thinking... AM I CRAZY??
Well the 4 00 a.m. snoozed alarm got me up and in 30 mins I was all geared up. Kissed my sleepy wife goodbye and in a minute my motorcycle roared to life. Kept it into idling while I decked it up with my Cramster saddle bags (they are awesome for bulleteers. Has impressed me beyond my expectations). Another minute and I was on Bangalore roads surely disturbing many people's sleep. It was a sight seeing bangalore roads so unobstructed. Within 30 mins I was already cruising on Mysore Highway. Strangely didnt think that Bangalore could be crossed that fast. I realised Bangalore does have a unresolved traffic problem.
Next 150 kms there was no need to stop. Cool breeze empty roads and a healthy thumping engine, a rider could ask no more for a good start. Crossed towns with quite interesting identifications, Ramanagara (town of silk), Channpatna (town of toys), Mandya (town of sugar)and Srirangapatna (town of Temples). Reached Mysore in a couple of hours. I did not wait much, just stopped to tank up my ride and crossed Mysore via outer ring road (longer route but good empty road). Was on my way to the next town, Gundlupet, last town before the forest reserves. Stopped for breakfast at a good Cafe (CCD) on the outskirts and rest for my motorcycle to cool off.
Next would be a non stop ride until I reach Kerala border, crossing 3 states of Karnataka then Tamil Nadu and then Kerala.
I reached Bandipur Tiger Reserve entrace, where a forest guard would just give you an ok nod and you ride in. This would be my first ride into an actual forest and it did give me the chills. My last experience of a forest was being chased by wild elephants in the deep forests of Thekkady (Kerala) while we were trekking. And I am not a bit embarrased in accepting the fact that Elephants can make you shit in your pants. The ride was a bit scary since I could not see any vehicle ahead or behind me. I did get distracted by the beauty of the forest. Nature does its magic on the landscape we humans can never match. I did spot few animals, the smaller ones, deers, monkeys, giant squirrels, wild boars and an old slow moving wild elephant whos legs the forest officials keep chained. The ride was slow and pleasurable with a lot of caution sign boards saying DO NOT STOP, or ELEPHANT CROSSING, or the scary ones.. IF ELEPHANTS ATTACK, WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE - Forest Dept. :P Crossed the Karnataka border within the forest and entered the Mudhumalai Forest of Tamil Nadu. The roads were still beautiful with same sign boards but with a little more traffic than before. I was thinking about spotting a tiget or leopard on the way like I saw in some videos posted online, but I ain't complaining. I took a break at an Adivasi village and decided to call home and update them. Was talking to my parents and then I let them know that I was travelling by my motorcycle towards Kerala. They hit the roof alright but now there was no choice but to accept it, since I was half way already.
Another hour or two and I crossed Kerala border into the Nadugani forest reserve. This would be the most thrilling part of the ride. Going down the mountain towards Nilambur via hairpin curves and ofcourse occasional wild animal caution sign boards. This was the most dense forest of my ride. Huge massive trees, the ones you have never seen. Beautiful as ever and yet dangerous if you venture stupidly. All through out my ride into these forests I could see many signs of elephants crossing, Elephant dung, broken trees, ravaged path through foliage. It did seem dangerous than I assumed, but as I found out many people travel through these routes and as far as you respect the wild and dont cause trouble they would never do any harm in return. But the real thrill of riding here were the hairpin curves. Kept me on full alert. Sliding through every curve was an adrenline rush. I stopped counting after 20 hairpin curves. Took a 5 min water break at the foot of the mountain. And man it was hot. I had reached near Edakara in Kerala. Next destination was my native place at Natukkal, another hundred odd kms. Kickstarted again and rode into kerala. The roads here are quite fast and never straight, so it was fun riding through kerala. Its never got traffic here expect the main junction, so always top gear. Up and down and left and right the road went, and again not at all boring travelling in kerala. Straight roads tend to make you bored and sleepy. In another couple of hours I reached home and had clocked around 400 kms within 9 hours. Got a lot of firing from my native folks for being crazy to travel all the distance on a motorcycle but followed by a lot a love, care and pampering, a well deserved fate for the ride. It was quite hot in kerala. Around 40 degrees someone told me. Always keep yourself well hydrated on a long ride. That would be the most important thing. I spend the day resting and visiting nearby places and relatives and lots of superb mallu food.
Next day was Vishu, our new year. Grand celebrations and relatives visiting with cousins being all exicted about my ride. Stories were shared and in the meantime I was all geared up to head back to bangalore. I left the place at around 10 am. With lesser stops I reached Nilambur, got my tank filled up and started off back from where I came. The same Nadugani forest reserve. Now a climb unlike the descend and I was a bit apprehensive about my motorcycle being able to handle it with an extra luggage of goodies from my relatives in Kerala. But my Hurricane just seems to love the whole ride. It went as smooth as it could without any hicups. While going back home I took stops to click snaps. Had more confidence today to ignore sign boards and take a few photographs for the memory of the best ride till date. It went on all the way a with forest guards checking you out at check posts. I crossed Kerala into Mudumalai National Park - Tamil Nadu and then Bandipur. A certain metal noise from my ride put me to a stop. Found out that the chain cover had broken and clanking against my chasis. Not a big thing but the noise hurts. Thought to take a break and tie up the chain cover until I reach the next town to get it welded. Was just looking around when I stopped a Tusker elephant down the ravine bathing in the river below. Man it was a beautiful creature. Took out my Camera clicked a lot of pics. It was the back view and I had no intentions of getting a closer view. It was enjoying its bath and I thought not to make it more aware and rode further. Crossed the checkpost and rode fast to the next town Gundlupet and got my chain cover fixed. I thought next stop home and rode towards Bangalore. the route now started getting boring compared to the thrill of the forest. I rode till kengeri, outside bangalore only stopping for a drink break. The traffic starting beefing up and slowed me down. The next strecth was not that happening thanks to the pathetic traffic towards bangalore. I made a note that next time I would ride to reach Bangalore early morning or late night. I reached home in around ten and a half hours making it my longest ride ever.
I clocked around 800 kms in two days and 20 hours, my biggest achievement in my riding life until next time ofcourse. I was convinced about the Rider personality in me who could just enjoy riding alone for all this while without feeling any kind of boredoom. And no doubt that the route I took is the most beautiful route. I would recommend the route and yes a motorcycle is anytime better than a closed 4-wheeler if you really want to enjoy the beauty of travelling. Next ride would be the best. I am planning to go to Leh- Ladakh for the Ride of my Lifetime on the end of June. Until that keep riding :)
Prashant Kumaran
Rider at Heart,
Bullet Riders Owned
email : prashant@bulletridersowned.com
www.bulletridersowned.com
